CHESTNUT AND LOBSTER SOUP

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Chestnut and Lobster Soup image

Categories     Soup/Stew     Shellfish     Appetizer     Valentine's Day     New Year's Eve     Seafood     Lobster     Fall     Winter     Anniversary     Chestnut     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Soy Free

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1 3/4- to 2-pound live lobster
3 cups whole milk
2 cups (or more) chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
1 small bay leaf
6 fresh thyme sprigs
4 fresh parsley sprigs
3 cups vacuum-packed chestnuts* (15 to 16 ounces)
1/4 cup Madeira
1 tablespoon butter
Minced fresh chives

Steps:

  • Cook lobster in pot of boiling salted water until shell turns bright red and meat is opaque in center, about 8 minutes. Drain. Transfer lobster to large bowl; cool. Working over same bowl to catch juices, twist off claws. Cut off tail. Cut lobster meat from shells. Reserve shells; scrape out green tomalley and discard. Cut meat into 1/2-inch pieces; cover and chill.
  • Bring milk, 2 cups stock, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and lobster shells with any accumulated juices to simmer in heavy large saucepan. Cover; simmer 10 minutes. Strain into large bowl. Return strained liquid to pan. Add chestnuts; bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered until tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Working in batches, puree soup in blender. (Lobster and soup can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately; chill.)
  • Bring soup to simmer. Stir in Madeira. Thin with more stock, if necessary, and stir until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in small skillet over medium heat. Add lobster meat; sauté 1 minute to heat through.
  • Ladle soup into bowls. Top with lobster meat. Sprinkle with minced fresh chives and serve.
  • Available at specialty foods stores and some supermarkets.

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